If I need to repair or replace my gateway mx6448 motherboard, which is most cost-efficient: to repair or replace? How would I know the difference? I am not an expert, but can I do this repair or replacement myself?

Depends on what is wrong. Is it the DC Power Jack? The jack you plug the AC adapter (Charger) into?Average cost is around $100 for a DC Power Jack replacement. (It's labor intensive, but the jack itself usually runs around $8 to $14 )

Most computer 'repair' shops do not have the skills required to perform this procedure. The easy way is to just replace the motherboard. (Also more Ka-ching in the pocket)

Some designs of the motherboard, have the DC Power Jack mounted in an area on the motherboard, that DC Power Jack failure is a reoccurring failure.The motherboard cracks in the area the DC Power Jack is mounted. (Breaking the circuit traces)In this instance it's better to replace the motherboard. Of course it's going to fail later on.

Your question: "Can you replace the motherboard?"I have confidence in you, I believe you can.Doesn't take a rocket scientist, but does require patience.

1) Remove ALL Power to the laptop. AC adapter (Charger), and Battery.

2) It would behoove you to buy, and wear an ESD wrist strap. (Electro Static Discharge)Connect the alligator clip to a good ground source.I connect to the metal frame of an empty desktop computer case. (Average cost is around $3 to $8. Look online for reference. Visit computer repair shops, and stores like Radio Shack for purchase)

Your body carries Static electricity. Static will fry out (Short Circuit) the hardware components inside a computer. Especially a Processor.With wearing an ESD wrist strap, and connecting to a good ground source, your laptop is safe.

3) There may be as many as 60+ screws. There may be 12, or more different types of screws. DO NOT mix them up! Use a multi-compartment container, and label the compartments for the area the screws came out of.You can use a clean egg container, (Or two) in a pinch. label each egg holder.

4) You may want to take photos, and make notes as you disassemble. Makes a real handy guide for reassembling. Also nice to have if you get interrupted in the middle.

Obtaining a motherboard: You might check Ebay. Sounds like advertising, but it isn't. Just one of my sources.Also check Laptops for Parts on Ebay.Some sell a laptop that has a broken LCD screen as the only fault.

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Just to be on the safe side remove the main battery from the laptop since it is dead, in 50% of cases the laptop will run again. If there is no change the DC jack in the computer is the next likely suspect, most jacks that come loose can be resolded back on the motherboard but this no easy task. I usually go to www.ebay.com type laptop, make and model, and jack or DC jack, if you still want new. The laptop will require major dis-assembly and soldering work so if you attempt this be very careful and take your time.

If these are the only symptoms, then chances are the problem is either (1) a bad battery that is no longer retaining a charge or (2) the charger is not charging either because it is bad or the plug on the laptop is broken (which is repairable but maybe costly due to labor cost (approx 1-1.5 hr task)). I presuming it is not under warranty.

If there are other symptoms, it would require testing to determine; not a task for a DIYer except if it's a bad battery or bad charger.

it seems to be an issue with the power supply as you already tried replacing the motherboard
power supply will be less expensive do try to get it replaced first

do check that monitor iss fine
unplug the blue VGA cable which connects your monitor to the tower
if a 4 colored box moves all over the screen the monitor is fine
and if it doesn't
get the monitor either repaired or get it replaced.

Definitely sounds like you have an issue with your DC jack and it needs to be replaced/re-soldered. You can have this service done for you for probably around the $99 (USD) mark. Just Google your laptop model and "dc jack repair" and you'll get results.

As far as getting your board out, I would definitely look for more screws that actually go through the motherboard into the bottom of the case. Some are even hidden under the silver lining that is visible when looking at the motherboard.